ExpressTruckTax Blog

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Ugh, you keep hearing about your stamped Schedule 1 and your 2290, but the filing season doesn’t open until July 1st. What a pain to have to wait to file. But wait, you don’t have to wait weeks to file your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 because you can pre-file with ExpressTruckTax beginning on June 1st, which is today!

Pre-Filing With Express Truck Tax

Why wait until July 1st to file when you can pre-file your Form 2290 today? Especially when the pre-filing process is incredibly easy. All you have to do is create an account and follow the step-by-step guide to complete the e-filing process almost instantly and your form will be transmitted directly to the IRS as soon as the filing season opens.

You’ll begin by entering the basic information for your business like the name, address, and EIN (Employer Identification Number).

Also, you will need information about your heavy vehicles to complete your Form 2290, such as their VIN or Vehicle Identification Number and taxable gross weight. Remember that suspended vehicles must be included.

A suspended vehicle is one that is exempt from HVUT taxes for the current tax season. Vehicles with less than 5,000 miles are exempt, along with agricultural vehicles with less than 7,500 miles.

When you’ve finished entering your information we will automatically calculate the amount of HVUT you owe and you can pay the IRS with direct debit or electronic funds withdrawal, EFTPS, check or money order.

Then you’ll be presented with a summary of your information to make sure you’ve entered everything correctly and we will perform an audit check to catch any basic errors. Once any mistakes have been corrected your form will be complete. It will be transmitted to the IRS on July 1st unless you specify that you would like for it to be sent at a later date.

As soon as the IRS stamps your Schedule 1 you’ll receive a copy via email, but you can also choose to receive a copy via text or fax.

The process is so easy, that you don’t even need a computer to file. Download the free ExpressTruckTax app to pre-file your 2290 right from your smartphone or tablet. This makes it incredibly easy to file at any time, from any location.

Pre-File Over The Phone With TSNAmerica

If you want to just be able to take out your phone and dial a number to have a US-based representative file your Form 2290 for you then Call TSNAmerica at 803.386.0320. As a result of spending a few minutes on the phone, your 2290 will be transmitted to the IRS on July 1st. You’ll also receive a copy of your Schedule 1 via email as soon as the IRS stamps it.

Need Any Assistance?

We’re aware that tax time can be confusing, that’s why we’re here to help. If you have any questions or concerns give us a call at 704.234.6005 Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM EST. We’re also available via live chat and offer 24/7 email support at support@expressextension.com/

Friday, May 26, 2017

You often think of trucking as a solo activity, just a man and his truck. However, these days there are a lot of female drivers and even team drivers. Teamwork makes the dreamwork, but driving with a partner is surprisingly different from going down the road alone. We decided to look into team driving ourselves to get the full scoop.

What To Consider For Team Driving

The concept is pretty simple. You have two people in a truck instead of just one, and you drive in shifts while the other person sleeps. This works wells because both people can drive up to 11 hours per day, meaning the truck covers more miles in less time. As long as you can sleep while another person drives then this system should work out pretty well.

More miles comes with more money, so that’s a big incentive but that money is also split between both drivers. Some married couples have rigged the system by driving together to take home all of the pay!

The most important thing when it comes to driving in a team is pulling your weight. Split the driving hours evenly, help with the loading and unloading unless you need sleep. Do your part to keep the rig clean and don’t eat all your partner’s snacks without providing food for them as well.

Now if you like your personal space then team driving probably isn’t an option for you. Think about it, trucks aren’t very big and you’ll have to split the space. Some people just casually place stuff in bins, and others develop an even storage system. Do what works for the team.

That’s another thing to consider, you won’t be able to do everything the way you want, you’ll have to work with another person. You’ll have to decide who drives during the day or at night, when to stop, and more. We’ve heard of some cases where drivers don’t want to stop and some people have had to use the bathroom in bottles. That happens on solo drives too though.

Driving tired is the equivalent to driving drunk. If you drive tired you’re risking your passenger’s life. Also, you should let your partner sleep, so he will be refresh and energized to safely drive you. This means that you may not be able to blast loud music or take phone calls all the time. You’ll have to adjust your personal driving preferences for your partner.

Other things that come into play are if you’re a smoker and your cleaning habits. If you’re a little messy and you get paired with a neat freak you might have a problem. Also, if you don’t smoke and your partner does, but you refuse to let them smoke in the cab tensions could quickly escalate.

With all this partner talk how do you even find one? That’s easy companies can assign one to you and work out the details and paperwork to agree to, or you can put an add out to find one yourself and handle the details yourself.

When you get a random partner, we hope you like them. Keep in mind that you could also get a partner of the opposite sex. This is mainly an issue for women because lady drivers need to feel comfortable with their partner.

Is Team Driving For You?

While it can be nice to have a buddy on the road, especially when you need some help, most drivers prefer to drive either with a pet or totally alone because they don’t want their personal space compromised. However, if you can trust your partner and be a respectful driver yourself, why not cover more ground together?

For more trucking tips visit ExpressTruckTax.com and please share your thoughts about team driving in the comment section below.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Alright, 2290 season is coming, and along with your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) comes a lot of questions and sometimes a little confusion. Sometimes while filing your Form 2290 you might see information about Form 8849, but what’s that? Do you need to be concerned with it? Today we’re here with the 8849 facts to answer your questions.

Form 8849

Form 8849 is the Claim or Refund of Excise Taxes Form. Excise taxes are the taxes paid on goods when they’re purchased and they’re often included in the price. An example of one of these goods is gasoline, hints your IFTA tax. Also, excise taxes include activities, such as highway usage by trucks.

Highway usage?! Now that might ring a bell because if you drive a qualifying vehicle of 55,000 pounds or more then you are required to file Form 2290 in order to get a copy of your stamped Schedule 1.

After filing your Form 2290 you can File Form 8849 to claim a credit or a refund on the amount of HVUT paid. Anyone can file this form if they need to claim a refund or a credit.

You can claim credits or refunds for vehicles that were stolen, sold, or destroyed. You can also claim credits for vehicles that were only used for 5,000 miles or less on public highways and 7,500 miles or less for agricultural vehicles used during the tax period.

Just remember, before you can File Form 8849 you need to file your Form 2290 and pay any Heavy Vehicle Taxes owed to the IRS for the current tax season first.

All you need to File Form 8849 is your name, EIN, and address, but it needs to match what the IRS has on file. You can verify your information by calling the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

If you’ve already filed your 2290 then you should already have your Employee Identification Number, as the IRS requires you to have one to complete your return.

If you haven’t filed your 2290 and you need an EIN you can apply for one online with the IRS. It will take about 15 days for the EIN to become active if the e-filing system and forms may be rejected during that time.

Also, you will need the information for the vehicle that you’re claiming a refund for with details as to why you’re claiming a credit or refund, such as if it was stolen, sold, or destroyed with the date that the incident occurred.

Pre-File With TSNAmerica

The faster you pre-file your Form 2290 then the faster you can claim a refund or credit with Form 8849. Call our sister company TSNAmerica at 803.386.0320 and they’ll file your Form 2290 for you over the phone. Your return will be transmitted to the IRS on July 1st unless you would like it sent at a later date. The process is as easy as making a simple phone call.

Contact Us

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we want to help you quickly and easily handle all of your truck tax needs, headache free. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions that you may have over the phone Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM EST at 704.234.6005. We also offer live chat and 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.

Friday, May 19, 2017

Hot hot hot! Who turned up the heat?! Oh, it was Mother nature, so it looks like we can’t really do anything about it but try and keep cool. While summer usually brings about fun in the pool or at the beach, it’s important to remember that not all time spent in the sun is fun. Summer can wreak havoc on our skin and trucks! Be sure to prepare yourself and your rig for rising summer temperatures.

Summer Tips For Your Rig

Did you know that the trucker’s tan is a real thing? Usually, the arm on your driver’s side door can end up looking darker than the other and you could end up with a farmer’s tan! Also, protecting yourself from skin cancer caused by the sun’s damaging UV rays is pretty important.

To protect yourself from the sun wear a hat, long sleeves, and sunglasses. If you don’t want to wear long sleeves you can put sunscreens up on your windows or apply sunscreen lotion to your skin every few hours.

Summer is hot, don’t you know it! As temperatures rise you’ll find yourself becoming more dehydrated, so be sure to drink pretty of water during your trips. Soda won’t hydrate you like water and you don’t want to end up with a massive headache going down the interstate because you aren’t hydrated. Also, keep a few gallons of your water around in your rig in case of an emergency.

Heat during the summer adds an extra amount of stress on your engine so check your levels of oil, coolant, and the critical fluids that keep your engine cool and running. Remember, it’s always great to carry those fluids in your rig in case you need to top them off to prevent your rig from overheating and to avoid more expensive issues.

It’s a great time to check your AC for leaks because you don’t want it to go out during a trip. A few days without AC can be unbearably hot. Also, your belts are affected by heat too. Check them often to make sure that they’re still in place and feel them to make sure they’re still strong. If they’re spongy feelings, crackling, or look shiny on the underside then they need to be replaced.

Guess what can’t take the heat? Tires. Summer temperatures make them wear faster, so check their tread, and look for cracks. If one tire is under inflated then extra pressure will be put on the others, causing them to wear faster! Also, with your tires wearing faster then you may need to align them, so keep an eye out for that.

Summer is notorious for some crazy weather. Storms pop up out of nowhere, and that’s not good because when the rain suddenly hits the hot road during the summer then oils rise, making the pavement extra slippery until water washes the oils away. Be aware of the weather, and slow down when it rains.

Also, be on the lookout for severe summer storms. Rain that comes out of nowhere is one thing, but what about when you’re driving through the South and a major storm with hail, strong winds, and even tornados are possible? Know when to stop and wait out a storm or take a different route to avoid them.

Happy Summer

Summer is arguably the most fun season of all, so take a break to have some fun down by the water. However, the heat creates a whole new set of issues, so make sure that you and your rig are prepared to face them.

For more trucking blogs visit ExpressTruckTax.com and please share your tips about summer driving in the comment section below.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

If you look off into the horizon you’ll see that HVUT season is approaching. Are you an owner operator who needs to file for a single truck? Or a fleet owner who needs to file for tons of trucks? Either way, those 2290’s need to be completed by the August 31st deadline and you can use the Wallet Feature from ExpressTruckTax to get major savings on your future HVUT filing needs.

The ExpressTruckTax Wallet Feature

The wallet feature allows you to purchase prepaid credits that provide a 10% discount on your future 2290 forms. Simply use the credits to pay for your form instead of using your credit cards.

In order to get credits create your free account with ExpressTruckTax and log in to access your wallet in the dashboard. It’s in the top right corner and will display how many prepaid credits you have for your future 2290 forms.

If you don’t have any credits click the orange ‘BUY’ button. Then you’ll see multiple purchasing options from a single vehicle to over 500. The credits don’t expire, so buy as many as you need for future 2290 forms.

Note: These credits provide a 10% discount on your 2290 form, not on the amount of HVUT owed.

These credits save money and they also save tons of time. Instead of having to hunt down your credit card and enter payment information every time you file a 2290 Form, you can simply click pay with credit.

How To E-file With ExpressTruckTax

First, either on your computer or with the free ExpressTruckTax app on your smartphone or tablet create your free account. You’ll register with your email address and create a personal password.

Then enter your business information and EIN or Employee Identification Number with serves as your Tax-ID. You need an EIN to file and can apply for one with the IRS.

This is where you’ll verify if your vehicle was used for any special purposes like agricultural uses, or for logging.

After that, we will calculate exactly how much you owe to the IRS so you can pay your HVUT! You have several payment options available, including Direct Debit or Electronic Funds Withdrawal, EFTPS, and Check or Money Order.

Next, we will present you with a summary of your information so that you can make sure you entered everything correctly and our audit check will make sure that your form is clear of any basic errors.

Then once your payment has been entered you can safely and securely transmit your form directly to the IRS. Enter a 5-digit code of your choice to electronically sign your form before transmitting it.

Finally, the fun part! You will receive your stamped Schedule 1 almost immediately from the IRS via email! You can also have it texted or faxed anywhere you want.

But Wait, You Can Pre-File Now Over The Phone!

Call TSNAmerica right now at 803.386.0320 to go ahead and pre-file your Form 2290 to get your HVUT out of the way. The process is easy, simply call them and they will send you the necessary consent forms via email. Then they will file and transmit your Form 2290 directly to the IRS on July 1st. You’ll receive your copy of your Schedule 1 via email, as soon as the IRS stamps it.

We’re Here For You

Taxes can be confusing, that's why we're here to help. If you need any assistance please call one of our truck tax experts. We will be more than happy to answer your questions. We’re available Monday - Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 PM at 704.234.6005. You can also reach us via live chat and we offer 24/7 email support at support@expressextension.com.

Friday, May 12, 2017

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, have you gotten your Mom, wife, or girlfriend, or any of the Moms in your life a gift yet? Well, it’s close to the deadline but it’s not too late yet! Show the Mom in your life what she means to you. On this special day, we would like to give a shout out to the Moms in the trucking industry who do their part driving solo, in teams, dispatching, riding along with their husbands, handling the books at home, and more!

What To Give Your Trucking Mama

1. You know what women and Mom’s enjoy? A little attention to show them that they’re special to you. That’s why you could get your wife or Mom a pair of headphones so she can talk to you hands-free when she’s out on the road. They even have excellent wireless headphones these days so she won’t even have to deal with the hassle of tangled cords.

2. When you’re out on the road you have to eat and drink, that means your Mom does too. Maybe you can get her a crockpot so she can conveniently cook her own healthy and delicious meals when she's out on the road. You could also get her a gift card to one of her favorite places to eat.

3. Is the Mom in your life a coffee fan? Then don’t make her walk across a truck stop parking lot in the morning for her first cup of the day! Get her a portable coffee maker to keep in her rig. She will love having the ability to brew a cup whenever she wants. Be sure to include a special mug too that has a loving message, photos of you or her favorite pet, or her favorite sports team on it.

4. Did you know most female truckers consider their rigs to be one of their babies? Maybe you could show you care by cleaning her truck for her. Go ahead and bust out the hose and suds to make that baby sparkle. Don’t stop with the outside, clean up the inside too. Wipe down the dash and the windows and clean out any trash or clutter.

5. Trucks are like a home away from home, so make sure the rig for the Mom in your life is cozy. Place some photos of yourself, the kids, or pets, around the truck for her to find. You could also write a series of special notes with reasons why you love her for her to find. Maybe weeks from now she will find another one of your notes and become overjoyed.

6. Is her sleeper cab comfortable enough for a good night’s rest? Sleep is important on the road and you don’t want your Mom or wife to drive tired. Does she need a better pillow? Space heater to stay warm? Softer blanket? Black out curtains to block the light? Ear plugs? The possibilities for making her rig more comfortable are endless.

7. Did you know that driving can boring? You probably did already, but that means the Mom in your life can get bored too. Get her an audio book or a subscription to an audio book streaming service to give her something fun to listen to for hours on the open road.

8. Let her relax. After getting home from a trip she will be tired, so cleaning the house or cooking dinner for the family might not be at the top of her list. Let her come home to a clean house and a home cooked meal so she can relax and catch up with everyone.

Don’t stop with a meal, have a movie picked out and ready to watch as a group, or you can get her a bubble bath kit with a bath bomb, lotion, and a candle, so she can take a load off for a while.

Appreciate Your Trucking Mama

No one makes you smile like the Mom in your life, so be sure to take the time to make her feel special this Mother’s Day. Moms all across the nation whether their drivers, work in the office, are involved in the trucking industry or not deserve to be celebrated for all that they do.

For more trucking tips visit ExpressTruckTax.com and please share your Mother’s Day gift ideas in the comment section below.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Taxes are already confusing enough. You have to know what form to file, when to file, how to file, and more. To make matters worse even if you file your form on time, it can still be rejected for simple mistakes! Then you have to go through the process of correcting your form.

Even though ExpressTruckTax has made that e-filing process and amendment process incredibly easy, with the HVUT season approaching, we want your form to get accepted the first time! So, check out these common HVUT mistakes to avoid!

Common HVUT Mistakes To Avoid

1. Entering Your VIN Incorrectly. Slow down, you need to make sure that all of your information gets entered correctly. Vehicle Identification Numbers consist of 17 characters that include both numbers and letters, so they can easily get mixed up.

Plus, VINs have incredibly small print. We often find ourselves squinting to reference our own! It might be hard to see if something is a 1 or an I, or a 0 or an O, so bust out your glasses to take a really good, close look at your VIN. After you enter it on your form double check it to makes sure that it’s correct.

2. Waiting too long to get your EIN. Sometimes people don’t realize that they need an EIN or Federal Tax Identification Number to file their 2290. Your EIN also serves as your Employment Identification Number.

You can apply for an EIN with the IRS directly, but keep in mind that it takes at least 15 days for your EIN to be added to the system. So, if you file your 2290 and apply for your EIN too close to the deadline, then your form could be rejected. If you need an EIN don’t wait til the last minute!

Some people ignore the fact that they need an EIN and put their SSN number in the field. The IRS no longer accepts Social Security Numbers in place of EINs!

3. Mismatching mistakes. Keep in mind that your business name, address, and EIN has to match what the IRS has on file. You can call the IRS directly to verify your information.

4. Don’t enter the wrong tax year. It’s really easy to put the wrong year on checks, dates, important forms, and more! While you can e-file for 2290’s for previous years, if you want to file for the current tax year, which is July 2016 - June 2017, make sure you have those dates correctly selected.

5. Filing is put off until the last minute. No one wants to deal with taxes, so they wait as long as they can to file them, which usually results in filing too late or finding out that your form needs corrections that you don’t have enough time to make before the deadline.

However, in reality, it’s extremely easy to e-file Form 2290. With ExpressTruckTax you can follow the step-by-step guide to easily handle your HVUT in a matter of minutes and receive your stamped Schedule 1 via email almost instantly.

You don’t even need a computer to file. Download the free ExpressTruckTax app to any iOS or Android Device to quickly and easily e-file your 2290 at any time, from any location. This makes it super easy to file even while you’re out on the road.

But wait, you don’t even have to wait! Go ahead and take care of your HVUT today by calling our sister company TSNAmerica at 803.386.0320 to pre-file over the phone today. All you have to do is call them, and they’ll file your Form 2290 for you, and transmit it the IRS on July 1st! As soon as the IRS stamps your Schedule 1 you’ll receive it via email!

We’re Here to Help

With HVUT season approaching don't worry, we're here to help. We will be more than happy to answer your questions and even walk you through the filing process. Give us a call Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM EST at 704.234.6005, chat with us online, or take advantage of our 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com

Friday, May 5, 2017

The last thing you want to do on the road is look like a rookie. While truck drivers receive a lot of respect, it’s the drivers who seem experienced and like they have been driving for a decade who get the most respect. Even guys who have been driving for 3 or more years can still look like rookies to the seasoned professionals, so avoid the rookie mistakes listed below so you can be considered one of the top dogs.

Rookie Driving Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t drive while distracted. If another driver catches you texting, holding your GPS, reading a book, or something else ridiculous you may not live it down. Plus, driving while distracted is extremely dangerous.

You’re providing a service to millions of people while transporting goods, but you want to keep those people safe on the road too. Avoid electronics and anything else distracting while on the road.

When it comes to your GPS type in your location before your start driving and make sure that it’s safely and securely mounted on your dash or windshield. If you’re typing stuff into it while you drive or it comes loose and you have to pick it up then a major situation could quickly be created.

Speeding is a major sign of a rookie driver. Not only is speeding dangerous and unnecessary, but it’s not fuel efficient. When you’re spending tons on fuel then saving where you can make a big difference! Driving about 10 mph below the speed limit will result in some major savings on fuel. Don’t worry about making cars around you mad by going slow, they will pass you either way.

Remember to take turns slow too. Rookie drivers often forget that they’re hauling a long trailer and turning too quickly to cause it to flip. Also, cutting a turn too close can result in running over curbs or hitting other vehicles which is always awkward. You don’t want to damage your freight or have accidents on your record.

You know those signs that suggest driving a certain speed or tell you the clearance of bridges? Yeah, don’t ignore those. Those signs are there for a reason, and that’s because other drivers have tested the limits of those exit ramps and bridges before. If your truck takes a tumble or you scrape your trailer you might be laughed at for a while.

Greenhorns don’t use their turn signals. What’s up with that? It’s important to let other drivers know what your intentions are. Other drivers can’t read your mind if you’re trying to merge over. By not using your turn signal you could cut people off and make them slam on breaks, creating a mess of things.

You also need to know when the right time to merge is. Some drivers move over the second they hit their blinker, and some guys wait too long to get over. Don’t hesitate and make sure it’s clear first. But if you wait too long other drivers will think you accidentally left your blinker on and will speed around you.

Another sign of rookie driving is tailgating. Don’t ride people’s butts! If they suddenly need to break there is no way you’re going to stop in time and could plow into or right through them. Plus, tailgating insight road rage which could lead to a potentially dangerous situation.

Drive Like a Pro

You’re on the road for a reason, it’s your calling! Take pride in what you do by driving like a professional. Slow down, play attention to traffic signs and laws, and never drive distracted. Then before you know it you’ll be the seasoned trucker giving new drivers advice.

For more driving tips visit ExpressTruckTax.com and please share your tips about what gives rookie drivers away in the comment section below.

Monday, May 1, 2017

Uh oh! Time is up. Today is the first quarter IFTA deadline! We hope you’re ready to file by midnight so you won’t have to deal with penalties from the IRS. Also, we hope that you aren’t freaking out while trying to get all of your calculations together. Simply take a deep breath and head to ExpressTruckTax to generate your IFTA totals in a matter of minutes.

IFTA

Just in case you need a refresher, IFTA is the International Fuel Tax Agreement that includes the 48 contiguous United States and Canadian provinces. It’s designed to simplify the fuel use reporting for motor carriers that operate in more than one state. Before IFTA each state had their own regulations for fuel tax reporting and the process wasn’t fun.

You have to file a quarterly IFTA report to get your IFTA license and two decals if you have a qualifying motor vehicle that operates between two or more jurisdictions (states). Now a qualifying motor vehicle is a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles designed, used, or maintained for the transportation of persons or property with:

- Two axles and a gross weight exceeding 26,000 pounds
- Two axles with a registered weight exceeding 26,000 pounds
- Three or more axles, regardless of weight
- Or a combination weight of over 26,000 pounds.

Remember, recreational vehicles are exempt from IFTA and you file your report in your base jurisdiction. Your base jurisdiction is the state where your qualifying vehicles are registered, records of your vehicle are kept and can be made available in the event of an audit, and some mileage is accrued by your qualified motor vehicles within the fleet traveling in that jurisdiction.

So, what exactly do you need on your IFTA report?

- You need total miles traveled by your qualifying motor vehicles per jurisdiction including taxable and nontaxable, IFTA and non-IFTA, and trip permit miles.

- The total gallons of fuel consumed by your qualifying vehicles per jurisdiction including taxable and nontaxable, IFTA and non-IFTA.

- The total miles traveled per jurisdiction.

- The total taxable gallons of fuel consumed and purchased per jurisdiction.

- And the current tax rate per jurisdiction.

That may seem like a lot, but it's actually pretty easy and ExpressTruckTax can help. Simply use the fuel tax calculator to quickly figure out how much you owe, use the quick entry screen to enter your odometer readings, get your miles from your trip sheets automatically, and more.

Or use ExpressIFTA, the ExpressTruckTax IFTA program to enter your business details, base jurisdiction, vehicle details, and mile and fuel records to instantly have an IFTA report generated. This report will have your IFTA totals calculated so you can quickly use it to complete your IFTA return. This report can be email or printed to quickly be passed on to anyone who needs your totals too! Best of all, the step-by-step process only takes a few minutes to complete!

Why Not Handle Your HVUT Today Too?

Aren’t you tired of constantly dealing with taxes? First, your business taxes were due, then your personal taxes, now IFTA, and soon your HVUT is due! Head to our sister company, TSNAmerica to pre-file your HVUT to go ahead and knock it out.

All you have to do is call them at 803.386.0320 and they will file your HVUT for you. There has never been an easier way to handle your 2290.

Once you call them they will email you consent forms so you can give them permission to file your 2290 for you, and they will handle the rest. Your 2290 will be submitted on July 1st unless you would like for it to be transmitted on a later date. Plus, you’ll receive your Schedule 1 as soon as it’s stamped by the IRS.

We’re Here To Help

If you have any questions about anything truck tax related please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated ExpressTruckTax support team. We’re available over the phone at 704.234.6005 from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM EST Monday - Friday. You can also reach us via live chat and take advantage of our 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.

Friday, April 28, 2017

We had a great time at MATS, the Mid-American Trucking Show, in March, but now it’s time to get our rears in gear for GATS, the Great American Trucking Show! Why exactly do our rears need to be in gear? Because it’s time for the MATS 2 GATS weight loss challenge and we have the fitness tips to help you win.

From MATS to GATS Fitness Tips

GATS takes place in Dallas Texas from August 24th - 27th, and if you thought MATS was fun you’ll be in for a whole new trucking experience at GATS. However, are you up for the weight loss challenge?

Will you join forces with your fellow members of the trucking industry to lose a combined weight loss goal of over 2,000 pounds as a team by August 25th in the MATS 2 GATS challenge? Do you think you’re up to the task? Well then sign up here by May 31st! You will even get a t-shirt and a wristband for joining the challenge and we don’t have to tell you how cool trucking related shirts are. Plus, ToughTested will even be providing prizes!

However, how exactly does a member of the trucking industry lose weight? By spending hours on the road and at work without much time to exercise this task might sound difficult. However, there are a lot of small changes to your schedule that you can make to shed some extra pounds.

We understand that the idea of losing weight can be totally unexciting because you know that you will have to diet and give up awesome foods, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Strict diets and cutting out some foods completely often results in rebounding hard and regaining all of your lost weight.

Instead of totally cutting out carbs and sugar learn how to eat healthily and in moderation. Limit your calories and replace bad snacks like chips and candy bars with fruit or nuts. Plan your meals in advance. If you have a big breakfast then go for a light lunch. Also, healthier options like salads with grilled chicken will fill you up more than you think.

Planning ahead and taking healthier options with you in your truck or to your office will help you stick to your healthier meal plan. Instead of dealing with the hassle to pull over for a snack or go out and buy lunch your healthier option will conveniently already be waiting for you.

Put down the soda cup. Instead of drinking insanely sugary sodas to stay awake go for sugar-free options like black coffee or green tea. These options even come iced and will keep you awake longer because you won’t have a sugar crash.

Also, you don’t need to join a gym or adopt some crazy time-consuming workout routine to lose weight, even though they help. You will be surprised by the results you will see simply from moving around a little more.

Try to get in some extra steps by walking around the truck stop or office. It really doesn’t take that much time to hit the daily recommendation of 10,000 steps per day by taking a few extra steps here and there. Some truckers just circle their rigs a few times.

Every time you use the bathroom or a tv commercial comes on do some planks or pushups. These are exercises that can be done anywhere, even with limited space. You can use a pair of resistance straps in your rig with some free weights to work out after you park.

The next step is easy. Get enough sleep! It’s hard to lose weight when you’re stressed, and when you’re tired your body craves more sugary items for energy. By relaxing with a good night’s sleep your body will be ready to drop some pounds and won’t give you as many cravings for foods you shouldn’t be eating.

Join the MATS 2 GATS Challenge

Trucker health is extremely important. It’s time to join forces with your trucking industry family to shed pounds and help prevent the health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep deprivation, and more that come with being overweight. Step up and join the MATS 2 GATS challenge!

For more trucking tips visit ExpressTruckTax.com and be sure to share your weight loss tips in the comment section below.